Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need Cold weather Fronts

[Lordsman]

Need some cold weather fronts for my '99 Dodge-I've seen some nice chrome looking one's on a few rigs around town but don't know where to get them. Any suggestions?

I bought a plastic set of Lunds for my '93 but they had none for a '99. Don't really like the look though. Thanks.

Mike

 

[JGK]

Cut a piece of cardboard about the size of your intercooler and cut an 8 to 10 inch hole in the middle (for the fan clutch). Shove it down between the IC and the radiator. Warmer engine with faster warm-ups. Full airflow to the IC. If it warms up or you tow and need extra cooling, pull it out.



Cheap and easy. Been doing that for 4 winters.



-Jay

 

[McCRam]

I have the lunds on my 97. Im not enthusiastic how they look, but they work. If I were to do it again, I would get a sheet of aluminum, or something lightweight. Then run bolts through the grill and bolt it on using large washers on the grill. Another idea I had was to get some vinyl or something similar. Wrap it around the grill, and hold it on with small bungees. I used cardboard on an old truck before and it works fine, just don't let it get wet. It took hours to get everything out.

 

[JGK]

... I used cardboard on an old truck before and it works fine, just don't let it get wet. It took hours to get everything out.

Yeah, ya know, that was my concern when I started using cardboard, but this is my second winter on the same piece (went 2 winters on the first, also), complete with fall and spring rain and car washes through the winter, and it's still in one piece! A little warped, but holding up. I don't know why. I think its double-walled (2 corrugated layers) so that may have something to do with it.



I just have never thought it was a good idea to block the air blowing through the intercooler, unless its extremely cold (below 0).



FWIW,

-Jay

 

[JSHAW]

You could try Cloud Rider . com, that's where I got the covers for my Dmax and they work great, Stainless black powder coated. Plus alot of other options.

 

[CEpp]

try a piece of 1/4" plexi between the IC and rad. with a hole centered with the fan @ 5-8". i currently am running a 5" hole in mine... its ok till about 45 deg. then it has to come out... but works very well. .

 

[jeepit]

Wahts the problem when covering fan clucth? Just that it will kick in when engine gets warm?

 

[rowilson]

Over time the constant pulling of air with a lot of back pressure will create cracks in the fan and there's a strong possibility of it exiting through your hood at best and your head at the worst.

 

[monkfarm]

??JGK??How do you like those Hadley horns?? Do you wish you would have gotten a different brand now?

I've been thinking about getting a set of those airhorns. . .



R. Wilson is right ya know, there is some dangers to the cold weather covers that aren't talked about. . . I have heard of radiators cracking due to the differences in temperatures (in the radiator). Cummins has some warnings in the engine manuals for my 2 big trucks. I don't use them. One driver likes the way the stock one looks on the Peterbilt. I let him put them on (he has way more experience than I do, but I worry about it. . .

 

[JGK]

The Hadley's are great. Sure, there are louder ones (like train horns, which would have been even better on a rare occasion!), but these were a good price at the time and they fit well on the cross member under the radiator. My only complaint is the tiny compressor and air tank. I've upgraded the tank. One of these days I'll do the same with the compressor.



I can't comment on any comparison with others since these are the only one's I've used. They sure get people's attention when you let them loose!



-Jay

 

[PatrickCampbell]

Bak makes some for our trucks too. No pics of a Dodge Ram though. Wonder if its any better than Lund's.



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[R-N-R]

Support your fellow TDR member: 2nd gen Winter grille fronts